New Benchtop Centrifuge Streamlines Cell Separations

Fullerton, California, December 2003 - Beckman Coulter introduces the Allegra® X-12 Series benchtop centrifuges, delivering unique capabilities that streamline cell separations. The Allegra X-12R and Allegra X-12 spin up to 4 x 750 mL and feature new Cell Culture Flask Adapters* which enable direct centrifugation of cell culture flasks. By eliminating the transfer step to and from conical tubes for cell concentration, these exclusive adapters save time and expense and reduce the potential for contamination.

The Allegra X-12 Series incorporates Beckman Coulter's exclusive ARIES® Smart Balance rotor technology, which automatically corrects imbalance (up to 50 grams in opposing loads) and continues the run without shutdown. Standard and ARIES versions of the Allegra X-12 Series 4x750mL swinging bucket rotor are available. Optional adapters accommodate a range of popular labware including Corning** 75cm2 and 25cm2 Canted-Neck Cell Culture Flasks, 250 mL and 500 mL conical tubes, 15mL and 50mL conical tubes and vacutainer tubes. For biocontainment, covers and AerosolveTM clear canisters for the round swinging buckets, as well as the 6x100mL fixed angle rotor are all certified by CAMR , Porton Down, UK. An optional microplate carrier is also available.

Barbara Keeler, Product Marketing Manager for Beckman Coulter, comments, "As the flagship for our product line, this new benchtop centrifuge offers unique features that not only streamline cell and general separations, but also make the Allegra X-12 Series easy to use."

The unique user interface of the Allegra X-12 Series ensures ease of use, with a numeric keypad that enables direct entry of values. The software provides up to ten user-defined programs and controls temperature for as long as ten minutes after the rotor stops. The new Allegra X-12 Series is offered in two models - refrigerated (for selectable temperature in the range of -10oC to 40°C) and constant controlled temperature (preset to ensure a temperature range of 18oC to 22oC).

Beckman Coulter, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of instrument systems, chemistries and supplies that simplify and automate laboratory processes. At the forefront of medical

discovery, in clinical research and through the often life-saving process of clinical diagnostics, Beckman Coulter's 200,000 installed systems provide essential biomedical intelligence to enhance health care around the world. The company, based in Fullerton, California, reported 2002 annual sales of $2.06 billion with 62 percent of this amount generated by recurring revenue from supplies, test kits and services.